On 17 October 2024, the Logistics Skills + Careers Hub officially opened at West Thames College’s Skills+ Logistics Centre in Feltham, marking a significant milestone in advancing the logistics industry in the region. Aimed at bridging skills gaps and fostering innovation, the hub serves as a collaborative effort between Logistics employers and the College.
The event brought together key figures in logistics, including representatives from major West London operators and industry leaders. We had the pleasure to be joined by Seema Malhotra, MP for Feltham and Heston and Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office) and Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Education) Equalities; Heathrow Airport’s Chief of Staff Nigel Milton; Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Cabinet Member for Education, Children, Skills and Employment; the Logistics Employer Board members alongside a range of other stakeholders as well as students from both Isleworth and the Skills + Logistics Centre.
CEO and Principal of West Thames College Tracy Aust, welcomed attendees to the event saying: "Today marks a significant milestone for West Thames College as we launch the Logistics Skills + Careers Hub, an initiative that will play a pivotal role in addressing the skills gaps within the logistics sector. Through this hub, we aim to equip our students not only with the technical knowledge, behaviours and skills necessary to meet the demands of employers but also those key employability skills and this is particularly important in a region where logistics is a key driver of the local economy. Our geographical proximity to Heathrow places us in a logistics hotspot, and we are committed to ensuring that our students have access to high-paid, high-skilled jobs in this vital industry."
"This hub is not only about training students but also about fostering collaboration between education, business, and the wider community. By working closely with logistics employers, we can help them recruit to those hard-to-fill vacancies while simultaneously supporting local economic productivity and growth as well as impacting positively on social mobility. The Logistics Skills + Careers Hub will showcase the numerous career opportunities available in logistics, demonstrating to young people why this sector is such a promising option for their future."
Highlights of the launch included a vehicle showcase featuring the latest in electric and gas-powered transport technology, and a recruitment fair aimed at connecting employers with local talent.
MP for Feltham and Heston Seema Malhotra added: "This Logistics Skills + Careers Hub isn’t just a local success story; it’s part of a global narrative. The sector plays a crucial role in the movement of goods, the fulfilment of businesses, and the overall growth of world trade. Through this hub, we are enabling local people, both young and old, to be part of this global story, whether they are seeking new opportunities to retrain or just embarking on their careers. The hub is essential for connecting our local economy with international markets, and I’m incredibly proud of how West Thames College and its partners are leading the way in making this a reality."
Attendees participated in a masterclass exploring the future vision for logistics 2030, where industry leaders shared insights and discussed strategies for sustainable growth. The masterclass forms part of an ongoing dialogue to shape the future of logistics, with input from employers, educators, and policymakers alike.
Chief of Staff at Heathrow Airport, Nigel Milton who is also their Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer said in his masterclass: "Heathrow is not only the world’s best-connected passenger airport, but it also plays a vital role as the UK’s most valuable port, with £200 billion worth of goods passing through each year. The logistics industry is essential to our country’s economy, and it is incredibly exciting to see the launch of the Logistics Skills + Carers Hub, which will help bridge the gap between education and industry. The hub will guide young people, as well as older workers, toward the many opportunities that exist within logistics and support recruitment efforts in a rapidly growing sector."
“We look forward to seeing how the Hub will inspire future talent and contribute to the broader success of both local and national logistics."
One of our local employers who attended the launch was Dawson’s Group, Colin Burrows, General Manager for Dawson Group Truck and Trailer, who said: “Events like today for young people are vital in this industry. Having the companies here today can demonstrate company requirements and provide guidance to students that are looking to work in logistics. It also shows the variation within the industry, and all the employers here play a part, big or small, when things are ordered online to when it is delivered. Hopefully today’s event will open a lot of doors. The students have been very engaged and keen – which is really nice to see.”
The new hub will support the development of skills in logistics, transportation, and supply chain management, crucial to the economic future of West London. The Logistics Skills + Careers Hub aims to provide young people and adults looking to train or upskill within the logistics sector with opportunities, focusing on addressing the skills gap and aligning training with employer demands. In addition, the hub will host careers events and recruitment drives, increasing accessibility and awareness of the sector within the local community.
This is a really exciting journey that we are on and as the Logistics Skills + Careers Hub continues to grow, it promises to be a key driver of innovation and skills development in this crucial priority sector, ensuring that West London remains at the forefront of the Logistics Economy. At the heart of this lies successful collaboration and today’s launch was a fantastic example of real collaboration in practice.
For further information, see www.westthamescollegelogisticshub.co.uk
